PEOPLEHOOD

Isaac to Jacob

Isaac marries Rebecca

Two Sons

1. Esau – traded his firstborn right (inheritance) for some food

2. Jacob

Years past – Isaac grows blind – time to pass on Esau’s inheritance unaware of the trade

Isaac told Esau to kill an animal for a special meal

Esau departs

Jacob overheard and prepared a meal for Isaac

Once Esau departed Jacob stole the blessing

How????

Isaac could not return the blessing to Esau

Why???

1. Jewish belief that the spoken word, once uttered, cannot be revoked – like an arrow shot from a bow – in cannot be un-shot

Israelite Forerunners

When Esau discovered the plot, he plotted to kill Jacob, so Jacob fled.

Jacob headed for Haran (a holy place – WHY?) and pitched a tent.

Jacob fell asleep/dreams/ experiences God’s presence

Genesis 28: 10 - 22

Jacob settles in Haran and later returns to the dream site.

Again, experiences God’s presence

Genesis 35: 9 -- Jacob is renamed “Israel” – WHY?

means: “struggles with God”

Genesis 35: 11 – 12 -- again, a promise of land &

descendants

Genesis 35: 13 – 15 -- Jacob names the place where God spoke

“BETHEL” - beth means houseEl means God

Jacob’s 12 sons: (from four women) –1. Reuben (“he has seen my

misery”) 2. Simeon (“one who hears”)

3. Levi (“attached”)4. Judah (“God be

praised”)5. Dan (“judge”)6. Naphatali (“my struggle”)7. Gad (”good fortune”)

8. Asher (“happy”)9. Issacher (“man of fire”)10. Zebulun (“gift”)11. Joseph (“may he add”)12. Benjamin (“son of the right hand”)

How did the Israelites get into Egypt?

Genesis 37 – Joseph Sold Into Egypt

Genesis 39 - Joseph’s Temptation

Genesis 40 – The Dreams Interpreted

Genesis 41 – Pharoah’s Dream